Crushing news for hoons

RAAG co-ordinator Graeme Ransley shows rubber left on Field St, West Mackay after a hoon performed a burnout and ended up crashing into a tree. Mr Ransley said he laughed at the silly actions of the hoon but was pleased no one was injured.Nat Bromhead

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Cars For Sale

Harsh anti-hooning legislation is on its way - laws that could result in hoons' cars being crushed as heartbroken and remorseful owners watch on.

Under the new laws offenders would have their cars impounded for three months for their first serious hooning offence, Police Minister Jack Dempsey said.

A second serious hooning offence within the next five years would result in the offender's car being forfeited to be sold or crushed.

"Queenslanders have had enough of hoons receiving a slap on the wrist for their dangerous and irresponsible behaviour," Mr Dempsey said. "Hooning is not only annoying for decent people out there, it also puts the lives of innocent people who share the road with these troublemakers at risk."

Mr Dempsey said the Newman Government was committed to being tough on crime ... "And we are putting the brakes on hoons."

The Government aims to have the legislation passed through parliament by the end of the year.

Sergeant Shane Edwards, of Mackay traffic branch, welcomes the tough new approach to the age-old problem. He said hooning remained a regular occurrence on the region's roads.

"Anything that will help reduce the number of hooning offences in the Mackay district is welcomed," Sgt Edwards said. "It appears the hoons are not getting the message that it is an unacceptable practice," he said.

"We will show zero tolerance to any hooning offence that we detect."

During the past month Mackay traffic police have charged three drivers in relation to hooning offences. Since the start of the year, 31 people have been charged with similar offences.

Reader poll

Do you think the new anti-hooning laws are too tough?

This poll ended on 21 December 2012.

Yes - 30%

No - 69%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.